Theater review: ‘Lizzie’ revival remains a (not?) guilty pleasure

By Jim Dorman/For The Patriot Ledger

Tuesday

Oct 17, 2017 at 12:49 PMOct 17, 2017 at 12:54 PM

Did Lizzie Borden brutally kill her father and stepmother on a hot August Fall River morning 125 years ago? Lacking any witnesses, direct evidence or confessions, a jury found her not guilty, but given the circumstances and tension between daughter and parents, the question lingers.

“Lizzie of Fall River,” written by local playwrights Steve Dooner and Marc Songini, uses transcripts from the pre-trial inquest and flashbacks based on the evidence, to examine what might have happened, allowing the audience to view the many conflicts within the Borden household, and then draw its own conclusions. The play debuted initially at the same venue in 1999.

District Attorney Hosea Knowlton (Danny Bolton) and Judge Josiah Blaisdell (Jack Sinnott) guide us through the facts and circumstances as they interview Lizzie and examine the merits and calamities of pursuing the case. Lizzie’s father, Andrew Borden (Doug Marsden) was a prominent, and wealthy businessman, whose name was well known in Fall River. His wife, Lizzie’s stepmom, Abby Durfee Borden (Bonnie Gardner), was also from a notable family. So, despite Knowlton’s enthusiasm, the judge is especially reluctant to preside over a case that could harm his political future.

Dooner directs his own work in Company’s production. The look and feel is authentic (Karen Loughlin’s period costumes, Adam Clark’s shadowy lighting with Ryan Barrow and James Valentin’s authentic stage design) and the acting is sharp, especially Brittany Rolfs as Lizzie Borden. From the moment she takes the stage, she commands your attention. Every move and glance seems imperative. Despite Lizzie’s inconsistent and often implausible testimony, Rolfs portrays her as a strong and determined woman. No matter how hard he tries, attorney Knowlton cannot completely break her resolve. The interplay between Bolton and Rolfs is compelling; both are quite skilled.

In addition to looking much like the real Andrew Borden, Marsden is mostly despicable as Lizzie and her sister Emma’s (Christina Closs) disagreeable father. In addition to his wealth, Andrew was known for his stinginess, which is depicted as a major cause of conflict with his spinster daughters. Additionally, Lizzies’ devotion to her dead birth mother, her disapproval of her stepmother, her father’s speculation of her sexual orientation, the possibility he murdered Lizzie’s pet pigeons, and that he might have sexually abused her as a child, are also introduced as possible causes for the rising rancor at the Borden residence. The onslaught of his negativity is so great, that one might not be surprised by the great cruelty of his demise. On the other hand, you might feel some compassion for Mrs. Borden and Gardner’s portrayal. It is not entirely unsympathetic.

To lighten the somewhat brooding mood, Dooner and Songini have included some humorous elements, mostly with regards to Dr. Dolan (Christopher Marsh) and the use of the latest forensic techniques, particularly concerning the skulls of the deceased and the damage to them. The jokes were well executed, and if not for the prudence of the writers and all involved given the subject manner, if would have been easy to continue in that vein. An extended scene involving bad mutton stew and the entire family’s gastrointestinal distress could become quite comical.

Jessica Kent also adds some humor and humanity as Bridget “Maggie” Sullivan, the Borden’s Irish maid. Gerry Bova helps stir the pot as Uncle John Morse, arguing with Andrew on Lizzie and Emma’s behalf the night before the murders. Christa Dunn adds a creepy element as Lizzie and Emma’s mother, returning for flashbacks and perhaps fueling Lizzie’s desire for retribution. Christian Irving plays the mysterious Hatchet Man who was seen outside the Borden residence. He’s creepy, and adds another spooky element, but he also adds to the confusion regarding possible murderers besides Lizzie. Chris Lee Bailey is an ominous presence as the the police matron, but we can probably rule her out as a suspect.

So, for fans of the ages-old murder case or folks who just want a creepy and historic adventure, “Lizzie of Fall River” provides an authentic and realistic look at the crime scene.